The celebration of Christmas is a long-held tradition for many Christians around the world. However, some believers question whether observing Christmas is appropriate or even biblical. What does the Bible say about celebrating Christmas? Here is an in-depth look at the arguments for and against Christians celebrating Christmas.
The Origin of Christmas
When evaluating Christmas, it is important to understand its origins. Christmas traditions include decorating Christmas trees, gift giving, Christmas carols, and the Santa Claus figure. However, none of these practices have their source in the Bible. In fact, many Christmas customs were adopted from pagan winter solstice celebrations. In ancient Rome, ‘Saturnalia’ was a week-long festival celebrating the Roman god Saturn. It involved feasting, partying, and gift giving. When Christianity spread through the Roman empire, church leaders allowed converts to continue their winter solstice celebrations, but redirected the focus toward Jesus’ birth. Over time, the combination of pagan and Christian traditions formed what is now recognized as Christmas.
The actual date of Jesus’ birth is unknown. December 25 was likely chosen due to its proximity to the winter solstice and existing pagan festivities. The Bible does not provide any instruction on when, or even if, believers should celebrate the birth of Jesus. The precise month and date of his birth are not recorded. While traditional Nativity scenes depict the wise men visiting baby Jesus in the manger the night he was born, the Bible indicates the magi arrived much later when Jesus was a young child living in a house (Matthew 2:11).
What the Bible Says About Celebrating Holidays
Since Christmas is not commanded in Scripture, whether or not Christians should celebrate it requires wisdom. Those who argue against celebrating Christmas often point to two key passages of Scripture:
“When the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations whom you go in to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, take care that you be not ensnared to follow them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods?—that I also may do the same.’ You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the LORD hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods.” (Deuteronomy 12:29-31)
This verse prohibited the Israelites from adopting the religious practices of the pagan nations around them. Those opposed to Christmas argue that Christians should not blend pagan traditions into the worship of God. Similar warnings are repeated throughout the Old Testament (Jeremiah 10:2-4, 1 Corinthians 10:14).
“Thus says the LORD: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity.” (Jeremiah 10:2-3)
However, while Christians should absolutely avoid worshiping false gods or participating in immoral pagan rituals, some traditions may be neutral. For example, wedding rings and dresses have pagan origins, but are not inherently wrong to use in a Christian marriage ceremony.
Colossians 2:16 also comes into play in this debate:
“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.” (Colossians 2:16)
This verse indicates that Christians are free to observe religious festivals and holidays or not, according to their conscience. Participating in traditions with pagan origins may be permissible, as long as Jesus remains the focus.
Arguments For Celebrating Christmas
Those who support observing Christmas offer several arguments:
- Jesus’ birth is an event worth celebrating. Christmas provides a set time to reflect on Christ coming to earth (John 3:16, Galatians 4:4).
- While the Bible does not command a celebration of Jesus’ birth, it also does not forbid it. Christians have freedom in Christ (Romans 14:1-12).
- Christmas is an opportunity to spend time with family, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive traditions that foster community, goodwill, and generosity.
- Most Christmas traditions no longer have any connection to paganism in modern practice. The holiday is nearly universally recognized as a celebration of Jesus’ birth.
- Christmas often provides evangelism opportunities, such as attending candlelight services with unbelieving friends or family members.
- Rather than being a pagan festival, Christmas can be an occasion for worshiping God. Carols exalt Christ, Nativity scenes focus attention on his humble birth, and the example of giving gifts can reflect God’s greatest gift to mankind (John 3:16).
Those who advocate celebrating Christmas argue that the holiday can be completely focused on Jesus. Any winter solstice connections are now vestiges of the past. In their view, participating in Christmas festivities does not compromise biblical principles.
Arguments Against Celebrating Christmas
However, some Christians argue that celebrating Christmas is inappropriate for the following reasons:
- Observing religious holy days not prescribed in Scripture amounts to adding to God’s Word, which Christians are forbidden from doing (Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:18).
- Christmas has undeniably pagan origins. The Bible warns against adopting other religions’ practices (Deuteronomy 12:4, 29-32).
- The Christmas holiday season has become increasingly commercialized and materialistic. A focus on buying gifts and pursuing worldly pleasures is opposite of the selflessness modeled by Jesus.
- Nowhere does the New Testament instruct Christians to commemorate Christ’s birth. But it does advise remembering his death and resurrection through communion (1 Corinthians 11:24-25).
- The date of December 25 has no biblical significance and likely has roots in a pagan winter festival. Birthday celebrations are also not mentioned in Scripture.
- Some Christmas traditions – such as Santa Claus – promote questionable ethics. Lying to children about Santa could undermine confidence in parental truthfulness.
- Christians are called to be set apart from the world (John 15:19, 1 John 2:15-17). Yet Christmas is a highly cultural holiday.
Those opposing Christmas celebration believe commemorating Jesus’ birth has no biblical basis. In their view, the pagan roots and associations disqualify Christmas from being an authentic Christian tradition. They argue the holiday provokes greed, materialism, and lying – all incompatible with Scripture’s commands.
Principles for Christmas Celebration
Whether to celebrate Christmas appears to be a matter of Christian freedom according to one’s conscience (Romans 14:1-12). However, the manner in which believers observe or do not observe Christmas should align with biblical values:
- Focus on Jesus Christ rather than cultural traditions (1 Corinthians 10:31).
- Prioritize worship and reflection over materialism and self-indulgence (Matthew 6:31-33).
- Express love and generosity without expecting anything in return (Luke 6:35).
- Welcome unbelievers without compromising standards of holiness (Matthew 5:14-16).
- Avoid idolatry and blending worship of false gods into observances (Exodus 20:3).
- Maintain truthfulness and integrity (Ephesians 4:14-15).
- Promote unity among believers rather than divisiveness over disputable matters (Romans 14:19).
Regardless of practices, the Bible calls Christians to shine their light before others, act in love, pursue spiritual growth, and focus on Jesus year round.
Additional Considerations
Beyond debating origins and customs, some additional factors are important when assessing Christmas celebrations:
- Cultural context – How Christmas is observed differs widely between cultures. Christians in non-Western countries often have unique traditions.
- Church leadership – Christians may come to differing conclusions but still demonstrate mutual love and respect (Romans 14:1-8).
- Personal conscience – Each believer must understand their motivations and act in accordance with their understanding of Scripture.
- Offense to others – Christians should avoid having their practices intentionally cause others to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9).
- Freedom in Christ – Mature believers have liberty not afforded newer converts or those with sensitive consciences (1 Corinthians 8:7-13).
- Legalism – Enforcing rules not expressly laid out in the Bible can lead to judgmental attitudes.
- Division – Diverse practices can strain Christian unity when secondary issues are elevated.
Wisdom and grace are necessary when addressing disputed matters within the church. Christians are called to acceptance and understanding, not condemnation over debatable issues (Romans 14:1).
Conclusion
The Bible does not explicitly prohibit or endorse celebrating Christmas. Christians appear to have freedom based on their cultural circumstances and understanding of Scripture. However, all believers should uphold biblical values during the Christmas season and year-round.
Rather than arguing or dividing over Christmas, it is more beneficial for Christians to model the love, joy, generosity, and grace embodied by Jesus. The ultimate spiritual priority is living obediently under Christ’s lordship in all aspects of life.